Man Pleads Guilty In Robberies

NEW BRITAIN — A former Hartford man with prior convictions for sale of narcotics pleaded guilty Monday to 10 robbery counts in exchange for a 12-year ceiling on his penalty.

Joseph Vega, 28, made his pleas before New Britain Superior Court Judge Susan B. Handy and Hartford Superior Court Judge Elliot N. Solomon to a total of nine first-degree robbery counts and one conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery count.

He made his admissions under the Alford doctrine, meaning he does not agree to the facts, but admits he is likely to be convicted at a trial.

He is scheduled for sentencing May 21.

Vega committed the robberies from September through early December 2001 at Cumberland Farms in Wethersfield; Elmwood Shell; the 7-Eleven in Newington; Century Service Center in Rocky Hill; the Extra Mart in Southington; and a Dunkin' Donuts, 7-Eleven and three other businesses in West Hartford.

Police said Vega typically displayed a knife or feigned having a weapon and stole between $50 and several hundred dollars and cigarettes.

Vega was convicted of the sale of narcotics in 1992, and escaped from prison two years later.